It’s important to protect even the ugliest of mother nature’s babies, including the Northern Bald Ibis or Waldrapp as it is more commonly known. There are only around 500 birds remaining in the wild due to hunting, loss of habitat, and pesticide poisoning.

Unlike most ibises, these birds don’t prefer wetland habitats but instead dwell in barren, semi-desert, or rocky habitats. They also aren’t nearly as attractive as their relatives with their naked, cracked skin encompassed by long feathers that jet out in different directions.

If anyone remembers the movie The Dark Crystal (which scared me half to death when I was younger) I think the Waldrapp was the inspiration for the Skeksis. What do you think?

About Carly

I have a confession: I love animals. Join me and the rest of the Featured Creature community as we learn about the weirdest, coolest, and craziest animals out there. Including your dog, Mr. Scrufflebutt (if you submit him!).